My fiance and I LOVE our Friday night salsa lessons with Tomaj. We have so much fun, and it's amazing how much you can learn in a progressive series class like his. We had occasionally dropped in at Allegro for salsa classes about two years prior to our beginner series with Tomaj, but neither of us remembered a thing by the time we started Tomaj's classes. By the end of the class, we actually knew a pattern and immediately signed up for the intermediate session. We've made a lot of new friends, and we're very excited to sign up for the next series. We are of the opinion that Tomaj is a very good instructor. That being said, there are plenty of people who disagree--we've had quite a few dropouts in our class, and a couple of the other students sticking with it complain about him. My observations are follows: people who take his criticism personally or want only "positive reinforcement" don't do so well with his teaching style. I don't think he's particularly harsh, but it can feel like he's picking on you at times. My fiance just laughs it off every time Tomaj shakes his head and stops the music because of some mistake he made. There is a really big difference between his beginner and intermediate classes. He's extremely patient in the beginner class, and it moves very slowly with lots and lots of repetition. Once we hit the intermediate class, we spent a good portion of the class confused and tripping over our own two feet because the degree of difficulty skyrocketed. To be fair, he does warn you in the beginning that the intermediate class is no joke. Also, from his perspective, he really does have to ramp it up, because he has people who have taken his intermediate class several times--if he kept it at the same slow pace, he'd never have repeat students. As a result, his intermediate class is definitely not for everyone. You have to be willing to keep trying and making a fool out of yourself. You can't give up or get too frustrated. And you absolutely cannot take his criticism personally. I also think that it's ultimately you who determines what you get out of the class. As I said before, we've gotten to know a lot of our classmates, and I think that's made a really big difference with our experience. There's a real sense of camaraderie when you're able to commiserate AND get advice from classmates. read more

I highly recommend Tomaj's classes. I've had lessons at 4 east bay venues (allego ballroom, shboom, etc.) - all are run by wonderful people, but Tomaj is the best - hands down. You just have to try them out and it will be immediately clear. He is focused, explains things very clearly and knows how to pace the class so that everyone learns. He's also the only one to have his classes on DVD so you can practice at home - this alone has immeasurable value as it's virtually impossible to take notes in a dance class. (Do yourself a big favor - if you're going to put the time investment into taking classes, start watching the DVDs and practice at home. They're inexpensive and you'll progress much faster.) He also has a wonderful staff that always jumps in to help balance out the gender ratio when needed - something more dance studios should do. And hey - he's a really nice fellow on top of all that! read more

I've taken salsa off and on over a few years and have been exposed to different instructors at all levels of skill and experience. Tomaj is right up there with one of the best. I've not taken any privates from him but I think as a leader in group classes, he's extremely competent. His style of repetition helps groove in the patterns he teaches which are useful. He's quite serious and on-purpose, keeping the class from bogging down. Overall, he gets high marks as an excellent instructor for all levels! JF Danville CA read more

Tomaj, Thank you so much for making our wedding day even more spectacular than we could have ever imagined. Adding the element of our own unique and memorable wedding dance was by far, the most stressful, but most worth it experience. The dance was fun and we still to this day receive compliments on how well it was choreographed. You were an amazing instructor to both of us. You showed us patience and gave us hope. We had absolutely no dance background and considering I had two left feet and my husband was super nervous. We were your biggest challenge. You made us feel confident and comfortable to stand in front of all of our family to show them how to have a good time. It was blast learning how to dance and the best part was learning how to dance with my the love of life. Thank you Tomaj! You were so awesome. I recommend everyone should have him teach them their very own unique first dance. He is worth every minute. Oh, by the way... his Bachata lessons were awesome too. read more

I took a class with Tomaj last Friday at the Allegro Salsa Party with live music and 3 djs spinning bachata kizomba and salsa. His partner for that night was Ava Apple. I have taken classes from both of these instructors before and I think that last Friday was the best class I have ever seen. We did crossbody turns left and right. The presentation and tips to improve our dance were excellent. The party was also a huge success plenty of food wine and sangria. A friend of mine also came to do her first salsa lesson and she very much enjoyed it so its for everyone. read more

I think Allegro Ballroom on Sundays is a much better place to learn and more fun. Tomaj is very aggressive when it comes to money and arrogant. He has offended several people I know so I am not a fan of Tomaj. I also think that Juan Gil at the Lake Merrit Dance Center is a great teacher with small classes and great dance parties the 3rd Friday of the month. read more

I was feeling "good" and signed up for Tomas' beginning Salsa class, here in Castro Valley. It was a good $ value. I'm a "married" dancer - sadly married to a "non-dancing" husband - and this class advertised that a partner "was not necessary." Indeed, they did sort of step-by-step- session, and then, paired folks off if they were not already paired. I started out with his able assistant, Flor (which I don't have an issue with - I'm cool dancing with another lady in a class/party setting - the most important part is getting to dance!) Then, it was "switch to the right" and you had a new partner to work on your latest move/combination with. And that is good thing, as you either learned what you were doing right (or wrong) and had the experience of working that out with a variety of partners. Much like a "real life" club setting would be. Plus, knowning the sad dearth of male partners available in most of these settings, I "think" they brought in a bunch of "ringers" who more than made the experience both valuable and enjoyable! This was a great intro class with the option of hanging out for the intermediate/advanced lesson to follow for a little bit more. Plus, they plan lots of parties/events throughout the bay area so you can strut your stuff in a social setting. I would recommend highly to those partnerless dancers who are holding back for that reason alone. Good age range too - From the 20s on up to the 60s (?) with plenty of folks holding the 7-count in in between. I've taken a LOT of dance classes in my day. This was comfortable, fun and not a bit pretentious. Besides, if you are dancing on a regular basis, think of all the additional calories you could be consuming! I yelp you Tomaj! Dance on! read more

If you really want to learn ballroom salsa in a structured environment this is the place to be. You won't feel intimidated; in fact one of the first things Tomaj will teach you is to leave all complexes and self-doubt out the door before coming here. In my experience after going to other dance schools and teachers who teach in a more informal manner, Tomaj has warm up sessions at the beginning of each class where he teaches turns and flairs step by step which will be used throughout the class. He puts together 6-8 week sessions and you learn a pattern or routine that will help you learn new steps and turns every time. He also has 30 minute blocks after each class to do some free style dancing to practice your moves. He is available for any questions to help you get the steps right so you can go home and practice some more. We typically form two circles leaders/followers we partner up and rotate - so you don't need to bring in a partner as you get to dance with the whole class. It is a fun environment, he is disciplined and likes for students to be respectful to others as we are all there to learn, but still have fun and make friends. We have parties after each session, some volunteer to perform the pattern we have been practicing for the last few weeks. We bring our friends and family to show them what it is all about!. I have been taking classes with Tomaj for 2 years and have learned tremendously from the "front-center-back-center" to dancing at nightclubs with confidence developing my own style. I strongly recommend you to take the first step and join his class! read more

If you are just starting with salsa dance, this is a great place to learn. The students are at all skill levels so that makes the learning easier in the begginer's class for new comers. If you have made enough progress with the basics, there are always fun patterns to learn in the intermediate class which I attend regularly. Try it. Try the salsa dance class with any club or studio, your money will be well spent. read more

I have been dancing salsa all my life (the latin way) but not my husband. I have also taken salsa lessons on and off from many different instructors in the bay area for the past 15 years. I started taking the class by myself and soon after my husband decided to join me. I can tell you that Tomaj is by far the best instructor around, he simply knows it through and through.... he brakes it down like no other... has the patience to teach you every part of each step... When you participate in Salsa with Tomaj you will clean and sharpen your dance technique. Both my husband and I really enjoy the dancing as well as all the wonderful people and experiences that salsa has brought into our lives. It did not happen over night but it has only taken us one year...we keep on coming back for more and each session is filled with dancing surprises.... my husband is now one of the students that will help the newcomers... I can't believe his big improvement... It has been lots of FUN!!! It's worth a drive if you are in the area where he teaches. read more

This is a really fun class. Although I have tried other classes, this one is still my favorite. I had never taken salsa dancing ( or any other social dancing) before I started this class and now it seems to have become my favorite thing to do! It is a great way to meet people and make new friends. ( Also, for the higher level dancers: the choreography is really nice) read more

I have only taken TOMAJ's class once, but I have personally danced with him in club. He's a great leader, and have great choreography, style, every woman who dance with him would feel like youself are a great dancer even if you are just a beginner, he can bring a lot out of you. He is strict, will not hesitate to point out what you need to improve, but this is what you are looking for when you go to a class, isn't it? read more

Excellent energy and attention to detail in the intermediate class. I was looking for something to take me past the beginners combinations. And I'm very pleased with this class. He really pays attention to the class and is not at all reluctant to point out mistakes and to offer suggestions during the class. The class is fairly fast paced. And as a result, I get a lot of instruction and practice crammed into the time allotted. This is exactly what I was looking for. read more

You can teach an old dog new tricks! OK, I just turned 60 and I just got married! We asked Tomaj to give us some Salsa lessons to get ready for our first dance at the wedding. Now, I'd never seen salsa dancing, let alone know anything about it. In just 6 private lessons, Tomaj took us from rank beginners to doing a routine that I'd never have thought we could do! We also had Tomaj DJ the wedding and teach an introductory lesson to our guests. His selection of music was terrific and he had everyone out on the dance floor having a great time. And we pulled off our dance routine to the amazement of our family and friends, who had no idea what we had in store! Thanks Tomaj for proving even an old guy like me can learn to dance Salsa. read more

What a dick! If you're looking for a pompous, arrogant asshole of a teacher he's the one! I asked a simple question and was ridiculed, like he really took pleasure in humiliating me. And I'm no expert but his dancing looked to me to be lacking any rhythm or creativity. read more

My boyfriend and I have been taking salsa for four months now at a reputable dance studio. We decided to drop into one of the classes with Tomaj to see what he was like. The first comment he made was we were probably a beginner as most people coming from other studios are not up to his level. We decided to take the beginner lesson and the intermediate lesson to see where we would fit best. The first thing that stuck me as odd in the beginner class was he said by the end of the 7 weeks you would be good enough to go out and dance in salsa clubs. No teacher can guarantee this as people have different learning curves. His beginner class was very easy for us and we continued on to the intermediate class. I found that he is extremely aggressive and over bearing. At the end of class he put serious pressure on us to sign up for his whole series even though I told him I didn't know if his class was a right fit for us. Most of the time he spent self promoting. Very commercialized. There are much better teachers to learn salsa from don't waste your time with Tomaj. read more

We took 8 of 10 beginning classes in Orinda. The positive: Tomaj knows his stuff, is very clear and challenges you. The negative.His classes are big so no time for personalized instruction and new people are allowed to enter all the time at any time. The problem with this approach is that it interrupts the flow and progress since we are changing partners every couple of minutes and in our case it caused my wife injury: A newcomer tried a difficult move on her (Hammerlock) that we had done for a few weeks (but that he did not know) and yanked her shoulder socket hard injuring her. So it would be nice to find a class where you start and finish with the same people progressing at the same level. But I realize that is less profitable for the instructor. read more

I am a male dancer, who used to be coy about stepping on the dance floor. I took a few private and "one-off" dance lessons before coming to Tomaj's class series. I have been attending his classes more or less regularly throughout the 2016. And I have been attending "one-off" classes elsewhere, including with the wonderful Noelani and Beto at Shboom. Tomaj's classes are the best way to learn salsa if you are new or intermediate and are afraid of large social dance gatherings. Unlike other group dance lessons, his class series is wholly devoted to learning the basics and the patterns. There is no dance party afterward (besides one or two songs he plays after the class), so the lessons are more formal - like a PE class in school. Also, the same people come to the classes so you get to know your dance partners and you get to improve the dance skills and have fun together! Tomaj teaches classes in series starting with basic patterns and building upon them into more intricate patters in subsequent lessons. The patterns that you learn in one class are repeated in each lesson, and the patterns become progressively intricate and difficult. The pace of class, however, allows to memorize the patterns and their variations. One of the biggest challenges in one-off dance lessons is that I forget the patterns. The classes are disjointed and do not build upon each other. With Tomaj, you learn the basic patterns and become a more confident dancer because Tomaj builds upon the moves that you previously learn (and remember) in previous classes. If you attend even one ten-class series, you should be ready to go out and do basic dance moves on social dance floors. If you stick with his lessons and keep attending, you will get better and become a more confident dancer. For me, I am no longer coy about asking people to dance with me, and I know a few crucial dance moves and patterns that allow me to lead the dance. To summarize, I think this is the best class series you can get anywhere in the East Bay. Highly recommended. read more

This is my first time taking salsa lessons with Tomaj and I am thoroughly enjoying it! Greater than that is my passion for learning salsa. One thing that I would encourage Tomaj to do is to dance with his students when possible, because that will actually help everyone improve...just a thought! I took salsa lessons before and my previous instructor used to do that with us and it really helped us refine our moves. read more

Take his class if you really want to learn how to dance. He keeps you interested with combinations that are easily leadable in any club. You'll need to practice and he'll make you a better dancer. read more

Tomaj is a terrific dance instructor. I am brand new to salsa and I'm loving it. My husband, not so much. I pick up the steps more easily than he does and, unfortunately, the class is just too big for enough one-on-one direction. Tomaj is very clear about his directions, and he and his dance partner are really good at demonstrating the steps. They do try very hard to give everyone some help. But really, for the most part, I love it. And for those who don't pick it up so quickly, I suggest you just keep showing up. Practice makes perfect! I think just "showing up" is the bottom line to success, especially with someone like Tomaj doing the leading. read more